๐ฅ Asparagus and Green Bean Salad with Herb Dijon Dressing ๐ฟ
This delightful salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish, perfect for those who love the refreshing crunch of greens. It combines fresh asparagus and green beans with a zesty Herb Dijon Dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s everything you need to know:
๐ History:
The origins of this specific salad are not widely documented, but it’s a modern take on the classic green bean salad, a popular side dish that’s been enjoyed for generations. The use of asparagus and the Herb Dijon Dressing adds a contemporary twist to this timeless favorite.
๐ฅฆ Components:
- Asparagus: Fresh, tender asparagus spears are the star of this salad. They bring a unique earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Green Beans: Crisp green beans add another layer of texture and color to the salad.
- Herb Dijon Dressing: The dressing is a vibrant mixture of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs (like parsley and chives), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings. It provides a tangy and herbaceous kick.
๐ Steps to Prepare:
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Prep the Vegetables: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and blanch them in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green. Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Trim the ends of the green beans and blanch them in the same manner.
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Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and chives), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
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Combine the Vegetables and Dressing: In a large bowl, toss the blanched asparagus and green beans with the Herb Dijon Dressing. Ensure the vegetables are well-coated.
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Serve: Arrange the dressed asparagus and green beans on a serving platter. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon zest for extra flavor.
โฐ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this salad depends on your cooking skills and kitchen setup. On average, it should take about 15-20 minutes to blanch the vegetables and prepare the dressing. So, you can have this delicious salad ready to serve in around 30 minutes.
Enjoy your Asparagus and Green Bean Salad with Herb Dijon Dressing, a healthy and flavorful addition to your meal! ๐ฑ๐ฝ๏ธ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus and Green Bean Salad with Herb Dijon Dressing:
๐ฝ๏ธ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories (depending on serving size and dressing used)
- Carbohydrates: 7-10 grams
- Protein: 2-4 grams
- Fat: 5-7 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
๐ฑ Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Asparagus and green beans are low in calories, making this salad a great choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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High in Fiber: The combination of asparagus and green beans provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
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Rich in Vitamins: This salad is a good source of essential vitamins, especially vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
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Minerals: Asparagus and green beans also offer minerals like folate, which is important for cell division and the formation of DNA, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
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Heart-Healthy: The salad’s Dijon dressing contains olive oil, which is a heart-healthy fat. Olive oil has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease.
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Low in Saturated Fat: This salad is relatively low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
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Antioxidants: The fresh herbs and garlic in the dressing add antioxidants to the dish, potentially supporting overall health.
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Low Sodium Option: If you control the amount of salt in the dressing, you can keep the sodium content in check.
Keep in mind that the exact nutrition values may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. Additionally, this salad can be easily customized to fit your dietary preferences and requirements. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious salad as part of a balanced diet! ๐ฅ๐ฟ
